Johnny Cash

Songwriter: Charlie Williams Bobby George

Producer: Rick Rubin

[Chorus]
I never picked cotton
Like my mother did and my brother did and my sister did
And my daddy died young
Working in a coal mine

[Verse 1]
When I was just a baby
Too little for the cotton sack
I played in the dirt while the others worked
'Til they couldn't straighten up their backs
And I made myself a promise
When I was old enough to run
That I'd never stay a single day
In that Oklahoma sun

[Chorus]
And I never picked cotton
Like my mother did and my brother did and my sister did
And my daddy died young
Working in a coal mine

[Verse 2]
Folks said that I grew up early
And the farm couldn't hold me then
So I stole ten bucks and a pickup truck
And I never went back again
And it was fast cars and whiskey
Long legged girls and fun
I had everything that money could bring
And I took it all with a gun

[Chorus]
And I never picked cotton
Like my mother did and my brother did and my sister did
And my daddy died young
Working in a coal mine

[Verse 3]
It was Saturday night in Memphis
When a redneck grabbed my shirt
And he said, "Go back to your cotton sack"
I left him lying in the dirt
And they'll take me in the morning
To the gallows just outside
And in the time I got, there ain't a hell of a lot
I can look back on with pride

[Chorus]
But I never picked cotton
Like my mother did and my brother did and my sister did
And my daddy died young
Working in a coal mine
I never picked cotton
Like my mother did and my brother did and my sister did
And my daddy died young
Working in a coal mine

Johnny Cash (26 February 1932 – 12 September 2003) was an iconic singer and songwriter who primarily operated in the genre of country music, but was an integral figure in the popularization of rock and roll. One of the most influential musicians of the 20th century, he was inducted into the country, rock and roll and gospel Music Hall of Fame.

Known for his somber and humble stage demeanor, he almost always started his concerts with a simple “Hello, I’m Johnny Cash.”

Much of his catalog focuses on the human condition, sorrow, oppression and the hope of redemption. And his catalog is huge, rivaling that of Hank Williams Sr., David Bowie and Prince. Starting in the 50s and ending just before his death in 2003, his deep baritone voice is instantly recognized by music lovers the world over.

more tracks from the album

American II: Unchained

From the album

American II: Unchained (1996)

Johnny Cash popular songs

I Never Picked CottonJohnny Cash

Johnny Cash

American II: Unchained